The Chief Minister has welcomed further recognition of the robust state of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Isle of Man Governments.
Mr Bell described relations with the UK as being in ‘good health’ and said he looked forward to further strengthening links at political and officer level.
The UK Government has today (Monday 17 March) issued its response to the Justice Select Committee’s Report ‘Crown Dependencies: developments since 2010.’
The Committee, headed by Sir Alan Beith MP, was tasked with revisiting how the Isle of Man’s constitutional relationship with the UK Government is managed by the Ministry of Justice.
Attention focused on the progress achieved since the publication of its 2010 Report on the Crown Dependencies, and the extent to which its original recommendations had been implemented.
The UK Government has responded to the Committee’s report, saying it ‘shares the view that there have been significant improvements’ in the relationship between the UK and the Crown Dependencies.
‘This relationship is a valuable, historical and special one and the Government accordingly takes its responsibilities towards the islands very seriously,’ it adds.
The Select Committee Report reflects the pragmatic approach the Isle of Man has taken to relations with UK Government Departments, including the Ministry of Justice, Treasury and Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The report also highlights the Island’s role in successfully streamlining the process around the granting of Royal Assent for new legislation. The Isle of Man’s system, which has significantly reduced the turnaround time for Manx legislation, is held up as a positive example for Jersey and Guernsey to follow.
The Chief Minister said:
‘The UK Government’s response to the Select Committee Report reflects the Isle of Man’s policy of active engagement and confirms our shared commitment towards continuous improvement. The Island’s relationship with the UK is in good health and I look forward to working with Minister of State Lord Faulks and the Ministry of Justice in the time ahead.’
The UK Government response to the Justice Select Committee’s Report ‘Crown Dependencies: developments since 2010’ is available to view online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-justice-select-committees-report-crown-dependencies-developments-since-2010
